Community Foundation holds scholarship reunion

January 16, 2013

The Southwest Florida Community Foundation held a reunion for scholarship recipients awarded scholarships for the 2012-2013 school year in December.

With more than 46 people in attendance, the reunion gave donors and recipients the opportunity to gather together to network, celebrate and share experiences while in college.

As part of the students' holiday homecoming, the Community Foundation invited past recipient of the John M. & Mary A. Shanley Memorial Scholarship, Signe Thomas, to speak about her experience at Florida State University while getting involved and initiating her own student club "Thank a Soldier Organization."

Article Photos

Sarah Owen and Gary Aubuchon

"We created this event to provide an opportunity for our scholarship recipients to connect with each other, as well as to connect with our donors, scholarship reviewers and trustees," said Anne Douglas, director of programs at the SWFLCF. "With the challenges that many of our scholarship recipients face, we realize it takes more than just money to help our students succeed in college. Instead of simply paying out scholarships, we want to be a source of support to ensure that our students are successful in college and as they graduate and start their careers."

The foundation's application process for the 2013-2014 school year is now open with approximately $400,000 in scholarship funding available through 35 scholarships for local high school students and through 22 scholarships for undergraduate and graduate students from Lee, Charlotte, Glades, Hendry and Collier counties.

The E-Apply online scholarship application tool can be accessed through the Community Foundation's website at www.floridacommunity.com on the Scholarships page.

Students can apply for multiple scholarships and have the ability to upload transcripts, SAT/ACT scores, letters of recommendation and financial documentation (if required).

For need-based scholarships, students are required to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid form. The deadline for applications is March 1. (For more information, see Education Notes at right.)

The SWFLCF is celebrating its 36th year of supporting the communities of Lee, Charlotte, Collier, Glades and Hendry counties by connecting donors and their philanthropic aspirations with evolving community needs.

With assets of more than $64 million, the Community Foundation has provided more than $52 million in grants and scholarships to the communities it serves. During its 2012 fiscal year, the SWFLCF granted more than $3 million to more than 100 different organizations supporting education, animal welfare, arts and human services.